2000 people block Akhnoor Highway

Akhnoor, 29 February: Locals comprising of men and women, about 2000 in number blocked the Akhnoor-Jourian road at Akhnoor. JKPCC Senior Vice President, Sham Lal Sharma, an ex-minister in the previous NC-Congress regime was also present at the spot.

These protests, at Akhoor Market are to do with the occupation of land in Akhnoor by the Army for field firing and artillery practice. The locals protest that they have already lost a lot of land due to previous wars with Pakistan. Occupation of new land by the Army provided by the government vide notification number 462 dated 31st December will leave the locals with even lesser land holdings.

The locals complained that the area already sees a severe shortage of food deficit and if more land is given away to the army, the locals would be rendered useless. The locals have requested the Governor, Principal Secretary, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioner Jammu.